Cost of living, taxes, and quality of life compared for 2026, with a verdict.
Georgia vs South Carolina comes down to what you value. South Carolina is the more affordable of the two, its cost of living runs about 4% lower than Georgia, so the same paycheck stretches further. South Carolina ranks higher overall on our Best Life Rank (#20 vs #26), balancing cost against quality of life. Georgia is strongest on climate and weakest on air quality; South Carolina is strongest on climate and weakest on healthcare.
| Metric | Georgia | South Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| BLISS score (cost) | 0.91 9% below average | 0.88 12% below average |
| Best Life Rank | #26 | #20 |
| Cost of living | #21 | #13 |
| Climate | #7 | #5 |
| Healthcare | #41 | #40 |
| Schools | #37 | #40 |
| Safety | #29 | #38 |
| Economy | #8 | #15 |
| Air quality | #44 | #32 |
Ranks are out of 50 states (#1 = best). BLISS score is a cost-of-living multiplier where 1.00 = the U.S. average; lower is cheaper. Green = the better of the two.
To live the way $100,000 does in Georgia, you'd need about $96,500 in South Carolina.
To live the way $100,000 does in South Carolina, you'd need about $104,000 in Georgia.
Based on each state's BLISS cost score. See your real after-tax paycheck in each state below.
On $80,000 a year, your estimated take-home pay is about $61,581 in Georgia and $61,467 in South Carolina after federal tax, FICA, and state income tax.
Calculate your exact number with the Georgia paycheck calculator or the South Carolina paycheck calculator.
Simplified 2026 estimate for a single filer taking the standard deduction, before local taxes, benefits, and credits.
Enter your salary and get your actual paycheck after Georgia taxes.
Calculate my take-home pay ›Enter your salary and get your actual paycheck after South Carolina taxes.
Calculate my take-home pay ›South Carolina is cheaper. Its cost of living is about 4% lower, reflected in a BLISS score of 0.88 versus 0.91. A lower BLISS score means your paycheck goes further.
On our Best Life Rank, which balances cost against climate, healthcare, schools, safety, economy and air quality, South Carolina ranks higher (#20 vs #26). But 'better' depends on your priorities, Georgia leads on economy while South Carolina leads on climate.
Because of the cost-of-living difference, $100,000 in Georgia is roughly equivalent to $96,500 in South Carolina for the same lifestyle. See each state's real after-tax take-home pay with our paycheck guides linked above.